April 20, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has unequivocally stated that Iran will never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons under any circumstances. According to Trump, if Iran were to acquire nuclear arms, it would pose a severe threat to global security, compelling the United States to consider war against Iran. Speaking at an event in Florida on Saturday, Trump said, ‘If we hadn’t acted, they would have had nuclear weapons, and Israel, West Asia, and Europe would have been devastated. We simply cannot allow mentally unstable individuals to possess nuclear weapons.’ He claimed that America has saved the Middle East from a significant nuclear crisis.
Meanwhile, Trump revealed that he has rejected a new proposal from Iran aimed at halting the conflict. Earlier proposals from Iran on April 26 and 27 were also refused by Trump. A White House official explained that Trump is dissatisfied with the latest proposal because it fails to address nuclear issues. On the other hand, Iran insists that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened immediately, with nuclear discussions to follow later. However, Trump insists that both issues must be resolved simultaneously.
Previously, Trump set the condition that Iran must return enriched uranium before coming to the negotiating table. Tensions escalated in the US when Trump asserted that continuing the war does not require congressional approval. According to the 1973 War Powers Act, any president must secure congressional authorization within 60 days of initiating military action; otherwise, military operations must cease by May 1. The Trump administration contends that this 60-day limit is suspended following a ceasefire. Trump has stated that he does not need congressional permission for potential military action against Iran and branded those seeking approval as unpatriotic.
The White House has formally informed the US Congress that the war with Iran is over. Although US forces remain present, the communication specifies that the conflict is no longer active. The US has also warned that any company facilitating payments to Iran by passing through the Strait of Hormuz, even under the guise of charity, could face sanctions. Maritime traffic through the Strait has nearly halted; where typically about 130 ships transit daily, fewer than ten now navigate the route each day.
According to Pentagon estimates, the US naval blockade has cost Iran approximately $4.8 billion (around 456 billion Indian rupees) in oil revenue losses. The US Central Command commander has presented President Trump with alternative operational plans regarding a potential attack on Iran. Additionally, the US has approved arms deals totaling $8.6 billion with its allies in West Asia, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. Reports have emerged that Iran’s president and parliamentary speaker are attempting to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Significant Damage to US Bases in West Asia: A CNN investigative report reveals that Iranian attacks have caused unprecedented damage to US military installations across several Middle Eastern countries. Iran launched missile and drone strikes on at least 16 US military bases in eight countries, including Camp Buehring in Kuwait. The assaults destroyed critical assets ranging from Boeing E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft worth $50 million to vital radar systems.
